ScholarShare 529
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California
At a glance
- Contribution benefit
- No contribution benefit
No state tax deduction for 529 contributions.
- K–12 distributions
- Not allowed
A K–12 withdrawal may be tax-free federally but taxable here. See the conformity rule.
- Aggregate contribution maximum
Not stated in this edition. Nationally the range runs from $235,000 to over $621,000 — see the program description.
- Creditor & bankruptcy protection
Virtually no protection outside of bankruptcy — an example of a state with weak protection.
- Recapture of state tax benefits
- Roth IRA conversions
Previously deducted or credited amounts may be added back to state taxable income for these distributions.
Plans
Program description ↗
What the book says about California
- California further penalizes withdrawals taken for K–12 expenses by an extra 2.5%.
Flagship public university
UC System (avg)
| Tuition & fees | Room | Board | Books | Total | vs. national |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,310 | $10,253 | $7,512 | $1,250 | $28,325 | +15.9% |
National average across all 50 states: $26,485 per year, in-state, 2025–26. Compare every state →
No statement or example on this site should be considered a specific recommendation for your personal situation. Investing and tax strategies each carry significant risks. Examples herein may not apply to your situation. Please consult your estate attorney, tax advisor, or financial advisor for personal advice.